Dell entered the netbook market on september 4th with a complete line of low cost computers. Initialy known as Dell E, the new serie’s name is finally Dell Inspiron Mini 9.

Inspiron Mini 9 specs

• CPU: Intel Atom (Diamondville) at 1.6GHz
• Ram: 512MB or 1GB DDR2 (+$25)
• Screen: 8.9″, widescreen at a 1024×600 resolution
• Storage: 4GB, 8GB (+$35) or 16GB (+$75) Solid state drive
• Connectivity: Ethernet, Wifi 802.11b/g, optional bluetooth (+$20)
• Output: VGA
• 3 USB port, SD/MMC/SDHC Memory card reader
• Optional webcam (+$15 for 0.3MP, +$25 for 1.3MP)
• Operating System: Ubuntu Linux or Windows XP
• Dimensions: 1.25″x9.13″x6.77″ (31.7mm x 232mm x 172mm)
• Weight: 2.28lbs (1035gr)
• Four-cell battery
• Price: From $349
• Available on Dell.com, from September 4th 2008

Differences between Dell mini 9 models

Both Standard and Social edition will have Ubuntu Linux 8.04, while the XP version will have the MS OS.

Dell E Slim specs

• CPU: Intel Atom (Silverthorne) at 1.3GHz or 1.6GHz
• Ram: 1GB or 2GB DDR2
• Screen: 12.1″, widescreen at a 1366×768 resolution
• Hard disk: 1.8″, with 40GB or 60GB capacity
• Connectivity: Ethernet, Wifi 802.11b/g, optional bluetooth
• Output: VGA
• 3 USB, SD Card Reader
• Webcam: VGA (0.3MP)
• Operating System: Linux or Windows
• Price tag: to be announced
• Dimensions: 9.1″x11.8″and only 0.83″ thick!
• Weight: 2.6lbs
• Release: August 2008 unknown

Dell e slim picture, by engadget.com

Dell took the time to compose a complete line of netbooks, marketed as social networking and entertaining products. Mini 9 netbooks, available in many colors, will therefor target a segment composed of young and dynamic consumers.

The Dell Inspiron mini 9 was launched in September 4th, and Dell is already planning a revision in october, with enhancements of the blacktop, and the integration of WiMax.

Blacktop is a basic Linux operating system embedded on the Mini 9 serie’s motherboard, providing instant on internet applications, much like the splashtop system designed by Asus. You will be able to access your email or messenger without having to wait for the main OS to boot. A very interesting feature for a mobile device. OS wise, Dell developed an easy-to-use custom user interface for the Ubuntu Linux.

An Intel 45nm Silverthorne CPU sports the E Slim line, which requires a little less power consumption than the Diamondville (2.5W Vs 4W). The E Slim is also very close to the MacBook Air’s thickness. The fate of the E slim model is still unclear, Dell recently released Latitude E models. We’ll update the article if new informations arise.

The Dell Mini 9 starts at a base price of $349, $50 more than initially announced, and positionned itself at a similar price as close competitors. You can upgrade you model as you wish on Dell’s website, a positive side of Dell’s business models. It is better for the consumer than having to choose from a multitude of similar eee models. It is also better for your freedom of choice, since you can have the Linux OS if you want to, and not depend of the retail market’s choice.

Official product presentation:

If you are seeking more technical data, Dell published the mini 9’s service manual.